Bolshoi violinist dies in orchestra pit fall

A senior violinist at Russia's famed Bolshoi Theatre has died after falling into the orchestra pit below the stage.

Viktor Sedov, 65, had worked for the ballet and opera house for almost 40 years.

Bolshoi spokeswoman Katerina Novikova said Sedov died of his injuries in hospital.

Ms Novikova said Sedov, who played in the second violins, was much loved in the theatre for his "sense of humour and extraordinary erudition".

His death comes as the Bolshoi is still reeling from the acid attack earlier this year on the artistic director of its ballet troupe, Sergei Filin.

The attack left Filin almost unable to see.

The Russian government earlier this month appointed a new general director, Vladimir Urin, who previously headed Moscow's highly-regarded Stanislavsky Musical Theatre, to lead the Bolshoi out of its crisis.